Upgrade your space on a shoestring budget. These weekend projects cost under $50 and require no special skills. Just grab some basic tools and cheap materials to transform your home today. Swipe to get started.

Accent wall with tape

Choose a wall and clean it thoroughly. Mark the design with masking tape (lines or triangles). Paint with a roller in thin coats; avoid soaking the tape so it doesn't run. Remove the tape when the paint is slightly wet for crisp edges. Correct details with a fine brush and let it dry completely. Ventilate the room. Estimated budget: US$30–45.

Photography: Pexels/Blue Bird

Picture shelf

Get one wooden board of your desired length. Purchase two L-shaped metal brackets and screws suitable for your wall type. Mark the height, use a level, and mark the mounting points. Drill holes and screw the brackets into the wall. Place the board on the brackets and screw it in from underneath. Try using some books to distribute the weight evenly. Estimated budget: US$25–45.

Photography: Pexels/Maksim Goncharenok

LED Backlight for TV or Bed Headboard

Measure the back perimeter and clean the area where the strip will go with rubbing alcohol. Attach the USB LED strip, being careful not to cut corners; trim only where indicated on the tape. Connect to a USB port or adapter. Secure the cable with clips or adhesive cable management for a clean finish. Turn it on: the light reduces glare and makes the space more inviting. Estimated budget: US$15–25.

Photography: Pexels/Rods Aguiar

Homemade plant shelf (pallet wood)

Obtain pallet boards in good condition; remove nails and lightly sand them. Cut two long pieces for the sides and two to three shorter boards for the shelves. Assemble a rectangle by joining the two long pieces with a shorter board above and below. Screw the shelves inside the rectangle, leaving 25–35 cm between each level. Reinforce the back with a diagonal brace or L-brackets to prevent movement. Add your plants. Estimated budget: US$15–35.

Photography: Pexels/Markus Winkler

Entryway coat rack with hooks

Get a wooden board; lightly sand the edges and remove the dust. With a pencil, mark where 4–6 hooks will go, spacing them evenly. Drill pilot holes and screw the hooks into the board. On the wall, mark the height and use a level to ensure it's straight. Secure the board with screws and anchors. Try hanging a bag or jacket; if you like, add a small tray for keys. Estimated budget: US$25–45.

Photography: Pexels/cottonbro studio

Paint by numbers kit

Choose a kit with a colorful design. The kit includes everything: brushes, acrylic paints, and a numbered canvas with the design. It usually comes with a frame and hangers, ready to hang when you're finished. Secure the canvas, work in sections, and follow the numbering. Once it's completely dry, you're done! Your painting is ready to decorate any space in your home. Estimated budget: US$15–35.

Photography: Pexels/miniperde

Cable Organizer (Simple and Effective)

Gather adhesive cable trunking, clips, and Velcro straps or reusable cable ties. Before attaching, decide on the routing. Clean the surface, attach the trunking, and press for 30–60 seconds. Route the cables through the trunking, bundle them together, and shorten any excess with Velcro. Mount the trunking under the desk or behind the cabinet, leaving enough space to move equipment. Estimated cost: US$10–25.

Photography: Instagram/@fivisauy